Your property records deserve attention even when you are not buying, selling, or refinancing. An unfamiliar filing is a reason to investigate—not proof that someone has stolen your home.
Why this deserves attention
CBS reported a 240% rise in statewide deed-theft complaints between 2023 and 2025—not confirmed thefts. Read the CBS New York report.
The New York Attorney General explains that deed theft can involve forged signatures or tricking an owner into signing away ownership. Be cautious about documents presented as a quick solution to financial problems. Get independent advice before signing anything you do not understand.
Start with the city’s recorded-document alerts
Use the city’s Notice of Recorded Document registration to receive notices about deeds, mortgages, and related filings against your property. The program covers all five boroughs. Confirm the borough, block, and lot before enrolling, include the correct condominium unit when applicable, and check for the confirmation email. You do not need a paid monitoring app to use this city resource.
The city cautions that recording a document does not establish that it is valid. Notifications also do not guarantee that every problem will be detected. For a closer walkthrough, see our guide to recorded-document alerts.
When a document looks unfamiliar
- Confirm the property. Compare its identifiers with your own records, not just a similar address.
- Open the document. Check the document type, parties, document date, recording date, and identifying number.
- Save your evidence. Keep the notice and a copy of the record together with a dated note about your concern.
- Get help promptly. Ask a qualified attorney about a potentially unauthorized transfer. Do not rely on an app summary to decide whether a document is legally valid.
Where to report suspected deed theft
The Attorney General’s homeowner resources include a complaint route and the helpline at 1-800-771-7755. If you are facing foreclosure or financial distress, the same page links to free housing counseling and legal-service resources through the Homeowner Protection Program.
Put deed records in the wider property picture
NYC Property Watch brings available ownership and deed history together with other covered records, including liens, taxes, violations, and complaints. Its monitoring subscription helps organize supported record changes and monthly reports across up to five properties.
Use monitoring alongside official notices and professional advice. It is not title insurance, does not block filings, and does not guarantee fraud prevention. CBS and the agencies linked here do not endorse NYC Property Watch.
Sources & editorial note
Reviewed against the sources below on 2026-09-11. This guide is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or safety advice. Requirements and portal layouts can change. Confirm your property’s details with the relevant agency.